Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-12-30
Countess UapODa,
Dy w1LKIE COLLINS.


Dy WILKIE COLLINS.
"Ot course did, Henry rcplled az son
n so many words, that held her responsible
'or TUG discovery, aud that expected her 70
reveal the whole truth She went on with
Der writing as II had spoken IN anunknoun
lenJne ! was equally obstinate on my side.
told Der plainly that tho head had been
placed under the care Of the police, and that
Tho manager md had signed our declara-
tons and given our evidence. She Paid not
The slightest hced to mo. By way Of tempt
Ing her to speak, added that tho whole in.
yesiisaiion was 10 BE- kept secret, and that
ihs niisht depend on my discretion. For the
momout l thought had succeeded. She
looked up from her writing with passing
dash Of curiosity, and said: What are they
seins TO do withdrawing, suppose, tho
bead. answered that II was 10
be privately buried, after photographs
81 II Ind been first taken. even went tho
engih Of communicating the opinion Of tho
surgeon consulted, that some chemical means
81 arlesiing decomposition had been used and
had only partially aicceeded-and asked
Dor point blank II tho surgeon was right
Tho trap was no, bad one, bat II completely
lated She said In the coolest manner:
Now you are here shonld like 10 consult
you about my play; | am at loss for some
nnw lnctient.' Mlndl there was nothing
milfiel IN this She was really eager TO
read hor wonderful work to me-svidently
Mppozhg that took q special interest In
such talngs because my brother is the man
agcr Of a theatfel left her, making the
Int cxcnss that occurred 10 me- So far as l
am coneHned | can do nothing with her.
But Il 4 possible that your influence may sue
aol with her again, as Il has succeeded al
rcdy. win you mako tho attempt to sat
lafy your own mindl Sho Is stil upstairs;
9 and am quito ready TO accompany your
Arnes shuddcrud at the bare suggestion Of
snc,hsr interview With the countess
y can'tl / darcn'tln she exclaimed. "Af,er
what has happened In that horrible room, sue
L more iepcllcnt TO me than ever. Don't ask
nc 70 d. il, Henry Feel my hand--you have
termed Inc as cold as death only with talking
VI
She was no, exaggerutiug the terror TINT
possessed her Henry hastehed to change
the subject
aIot Us talk Of something more interest
lng,r 10 said. Il have q question 10 ask you
.bout yourself. Am right IN believing that
tho sooner you get away from Venice the
happier you will Der
aRigltTa sho repeated. oxcitedly. AYou
arr more than right No words can say how
long TO be away from this horrible place,
But you know how am siiunted-you heard
whit Lord Monibarry said at dinner timer
asupposc 10 has altered bis plans since
dinner timer Henry suggested.
AGNES looked surprised II thought III
hal received letters from England which
plll-ed him TO leave Vcnicc tomorrow" she
sail.
nQulte lrue,H Henry admitted ale had
arranged TO start for England tomorrow
and 70 leavs you and Lady Montbarry an'
tho children to enjoy your holiday IN Vcnio'
under my care. Circumstances have o.
CURED, however, which have forced him =
alter bs plans. He must take you oil bacl
Win linn tomorrow, because | am not abb
10 assume charge OF you am obliged U
rlvo nm my holiday in Italy, and return L
England too" $40,
ksues looked at him In some little perpleA
Ity; She was not quite surc whether she u,uer
stood him or not @Arc you really oohse'
10 60 baekf she asked.
Kerry smiled as he answered her, nee
tbe secrot.p he said, aor Montbary viii neVe
forgive mol"
sbo rend The rest In his face. Noh, she OK
claimed, blushliig brightly, you nave NO
viyon no your pleasant holiday IN l1aiy u
my nccountf r.,.,,d Az
Il shall 90 back with you to England, As
nos That will be holiday enough ior me
she took his hand IN M irrepressible ou'
hurst AZ gratitude. slow good you ar
u meln lshe murmured tenderly;, VIVA
should have done IN the troubles that nav
,o,no 10 me- without your sympathy can
,eIi vou Henry, how feel your Kindness,
sSo tried lmpulsively to lift his hand 70 DC
lips lie gently stopped her. "Agnus' .o /"
aIid. aare you beginning to uhue'S'''"n ~
truly love your J.
TS.t sImpIo question found is own way !
,..pa.rt sbc owned tho whole TRUTH VIII
.s, ewing n word. She looked At hii'-nh
then looked away agnin. n,. ou
M, dr.w her 10 his bosc.n. my o"l
s. ~ J1'y bo wbispOred-V,d kissed be-
s so,Iv and trsmulously thvsrcct lips LINGERIE
and touched hls lips IN retul' ln.n n
head dropped. She put her arms .ouI rho
neck. and hid her face IN MS o'''N'
spOss no more. ,..,., ,u. a lIttl
vh lpe VIII, when i was mercilcssly broken Oy
, wn,lS' S SI tho door, -, .,...s ho,
AN Srnes started to her ieOt She placed a ~,
as !, ana pIsno; the instrument being opp 2
n.S ne bsr,eif on the music stool; Ior a., a.,
seated entering The poom 70 &c her fae'
person. person , sI OS. ir4tably, "cOme In"
hS gSS door was not opened. Inc , person '
na o Ether side asked strans, quss'0"'
'u oI o' Mr Henry westwick aloaor -, :, !,
- ., ~, Instantly recognized the voice q So J,